It should be no surprise that we are big music fans in the Holderness House. I have a deep love for 90s Hip-Hop while Penn can go from yacht rock to Nirvana. And it may seem like a total contradiction, we are happily married and both adore some breakup anthems.
You can’t tell me there is much better than driving in the car, windows down, singing your heart out to a catchy breakup song that hits you right in the feels. Sometimes I look over and Penn is right there singing along. So even though I love him dearly and have no plans to leave, I can’t deny that breakup songs are super relatable. We’ve all experienced some sort of heartache in our lives. These songs make us feel seen, understood, and strangely comforted, even if our own relationships are thriving.
So whether you’re single, in a relationship, or happily married like us, crank up the volume and let these 11 breakup songs speak to your soul.
Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
There was no disagreement that Kelly was going to be the first slot in this playlist. The crescendo. The raw emotion. Screaming “I can breathe for the first time” as you come to the end of a hard workout. This song has it all.
Irreplaceable –Beyoncé
No one does intense emotion like Beyoncé. You can’t help bobbing your head along as she exclaims, “I can have another you in a minute.” It’s all about knowing your worth and I have no time for men who waste my time! (Penn does not waste my time. Once again, happily married.)
You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
First off, Alanis knows how to put out a song that speaks to the soul. Her lyrics are always extremely specific and unique. You can’t deny her anger about her ex cheating with lyrics like, “Does she know how you told me you’d hold me until you died…but you’re still alive.” Absolutely brutal. I’m sorry if Alanis actually went through this but we all are better for having this song to jam out to.
Forget You – CeeLo Green
I think we all know there is a more explicit version of this song out there but I thought I’d keep it a little PG-13 for our channel. There have been many times when I’ve wanted to scream FU at an ex who broke my heart…but my social anxiety would never let me. Instead, I turn this one and dance it out.
Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
It seems like these American Idol women know a little bit about a broken heart. I’m pretty sure the lyrics “I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive” is burned into our pop culture subconscious. Is it hard to key a car? And what’s the process to get that fixed? I’d like to know what damage we are really inflicting here.
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
We will take a small break from the angry, revenge-filled bangers and head straight to the Queen of Self Love. When you mix a heady disco beat and lyrics brimming with self-confidence you get one of the best breakup songs of all time. Guess what exes, “I’m not that chained-up little person still in love with you!”
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
It’s hard not to include Fleetwood Mac on this playlist when the drama is PIPING HOT from inside the band. This song was written by Lindsey Buckingham about his breakup from Stevie Nicks. Absolutely insane that almost 50 years later they still share a stage and sing it together.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
For those relationships that are on then off then back on and then finally off, Taylor Swift made the perfect anthem. Some relationships are just not meant to be forever. (Except mine…still love my man!) And remember folks, when streaming your favorite Swift songs…always listen to Taylor’s Version.
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
There is a certain point in a breakup when everything your ex does and says annoys you more than anything in the world. Carly Simon perfectly expresses the feeling of getting to the acceptance stage and wanting to turn around one more time to stick your tongue out.
Love Is A Battlefield – Pat Benatar
When you are young, you may have many moments where you feel you’ve found the one but it’s not exactly right. You want to fit the person into a box and you know deep inside that’s not who they are. It can be gut-wrenching to realize you are headed down heartbreak highway. Pat Benatar turned that feeling into a perfect song to dance to angrily.
Dancing On My Own – Robyn
When in doubt, dance it out. This song perfectly skirts the line between feeling sorry for yourself and trying to keep your chin up through sadness. Breakups are painful but know that there is always hope on the other side. Until then, meet you on the dance floor.
